Pedestrian accidents often leave people with catastrophic injuries, but insurance companies will still not be in any rush to help them. If you were hit by a car while walking down the street or through a parking lot in Rapid City, then Whiting Hagg Hagg Dorsey & Hagg can help you demand the compensation that you deserve. Our attorneys have more than 80 years of collective practice experience, which we can put to good use when negotiating a settlement or litigating in court.
Make the first move towards filing a claim. Call (605) 600-2984 now.
Who Is at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
To determine fault in your pedestrian accident case, we have to investigate the crash and why it happened. Evidence that has been collected from the scene and through our research can help prove fault.
Evidence that we can use in a pedestrian accident case can include:
- Dashcam and traffic cam footage
- Storefront security camera footage
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Police reports
Ideally, we will be able to prove that you were not at fault at all for the crash. If the driver is entirely to blame for your pedestrian accident, then it can be said that they owe you the entirety of your damages, like medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Do Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way Over Cars?
Pedestrians have the right-of-way in many situations, but so do drivers. It depends on the street design and traffic conditions. But the underlying premise within interactions between pedestrians and motorists is that drivers must attempt to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian whenever it would prevent a pedestrian accident, even if the pedestrian absolutely does not have the right-of-way.
For example, if a person runs into the road, then drivers need to try to avoid them as best and as safely as they can. Of course, pedestrians also need to try to avoid causing an accident, which would mean not doing things like running into the road suddenly.
What Happens If You Get Hit in a Crosswalk?
When a pedestrian is hit in a crosswalk, there is a strong chance that the driver is liable for the accident. Pedestrians are given the right-of-way whenever there is a crosswalk that is displaying a “walk” signal. Crosswalks without electronic signals also give the right-of-way to pedestrians, who should only enter when there are no rapidly approaching vehicles.
Drivers should pay attention to all crosswalks and prepare to slow down or come to a complete stop. This is true even when there is no stop sign or traffic light at the crosswalk intersection.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians who are hit by cars can suffer extreme injuries in an instant. There is no protection between them and the impact, after all.
When handling a pedestrian accident claim, we often help people who have suffered from:
- Broken bones
- Brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputations
We can also assist clients who have lost a loved one to a pedestrian accident. In that case, we would discuss filing a wrongful death claim, which is similar to a personal injury claim but with unique factors related to the passing of your loved one.
Contact Our Rapid City Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
Our Rapid City pedestrian accident attorneys are proud to be legal champions for locals in need. If you were hit by a reckless driver, then we want to hear from you. There could be significant compensation owed to you from the liable party. But getting that compensation might be a challenge. Letting us work on your behalf is a simple way to build your claim with confidence.